Many Australians were very proud when Prime Minister Ben Chifley
launched the first General Motors Holden car on 29 November 1948. At the time it was
acclaimed as Australias first car. This 48/215 model was the first
Australian car to be mass-produced in Australia. Although it was based on an American
design, it contained 92% Australian components. It was manufactured in Victoria, providing
jobs and helping to make cars more affordable for ordinary people. The 48/215 cost £675
plus tax, or a total of £733 to buy. Within four years, almost 30% of new cars bought in
Australia were Holdens, making them the most popular new cars.